Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Jackson is 30% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,018/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 22%
$43,238/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 104%
$108,200 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 130%
$956/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 54%
149,827
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $219/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $2,628/year.

Median household income is $44,788/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Joliet slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Joliet — common questions

Is Jackson or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Joliet?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $219/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Joliet?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $44,788/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Illinois?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Joliet has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,237/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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